Explore Central Austin Neighborhoods

There's a lot to love about Central Austin.

Artsy and creative? We’ve got it in East Austin. Historic homes with mature trees? Check out Hyde Park. Rolling hills and great schools? Well, that’s Northwest Hills. High rises and walkable to activities? Look no further than Downtown.

We are a diverse city, and each of our neighborhoods has a different vibe, often with a different type of architecture. Whether you are new to Austin or just looking to explore our great city, we can help you determine where you fit in. We invite you to explore these Central Austin neighborhoods where we share neighborhood history, provide a peak at sample homes, and offer insights to help you discover your place in Austin.

For simplicity sake, we included some of the smaller neighborhoods under larger neighborhood titles. Just hold those labels loosely, ‘cuz folks here have strong feelings about the place they call home and the name it goes by.

Homes: Mostly mid-century ranch style homes and bungalows – although many are being replaced with contemporary homes. Be prepared for some potential foundation issues here. Parts of Allandale sit along a fault line so there is frequent soil shifting that can cause cracks in interior sheetrock – those that live there like to think of them as character lines.

About: Allandale is a mature neighborhood with towering oak and pecan trees. The streets are wide and winding, making it a frequent choice for runners, bike riders, and walkers alike. There are plenty of activities to choose from in Allandale with easy access to an off-leash dog park; Northwest District Park with its tennis courts, pond, playscape, and swimming pool; baseball fields; and a running track. With easy access to the restaurants and other activities along Anderson Lane and Burnet Road, Allandale is a vibrant part of Central Austin. It’s also convenient to Mopac so navigating around town is relatively simple.

Allandale has seen a great deal of appreciation in property values in recent years, but compared to some of its neighbors like Northwest Hills or Rosedale, prices tend to be a little lower. That’s why Homesville founders Marquette and Paul bought their first home in Allandale. Paul says, “I fell in love with Allandale on a walk with my wife. As we approached Gullett Elementary we watched parents from the neighborhood walk their kids to school. It felt a bit like we were in the 1950s. It was nice, sort of old-fashioned, and cool in so many ways. I will always associate Allandale with that laid back, family vibe.” In 2017, Austin Monthly rated this the third hottest zip code in Austin.

Location: The Allandale neighborhood is actually composed of three parts: (1) Older Allandale, (2) Allandale, and (3) and Allandale North. When most folks think of Allandale they are referring to the part that is bounded by Anderson Lane on the north, with Burnet Road as its eastern boundary, and Mopac as the western boundary. Exactly where Allandale ends on the south side is often up for debate, but it’s generally considered to be Shoal Creek at 45th Street.

History: The Allandale neighborhood dates back to the 1930s. The area was initially owned by George W. Davis, who was given the land in 1841 by the President of the Republic of Texas for his service in the battle at San Jacinto. For history buffs, the Davis family cemetery, a Texas Historical Cemetery, can be found within the borders of Allandale.

Homes: With large half-acre lot sizes, homes in this neighborhood are predominantly 3-2 mid-century gems sized anywhere from 1500-2400 square feet. Teardowns are common to make way for modern living. Some homes in the area were built by A.D. Stenger in the “prairie style,” with gently sloping roofs, clerestory windows, and a merger of indoor/outdoor space.

About: Home to Austin landmark The Broken Spoke, residents in Barton Hills have access to urban activities along South Lamar and South First Street, as well as multiple access points to the Barton Creek Greenbelt Nature Preserve for trail running, hiking, creek swimming and rock climbing. Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and downtown are all accessible within minutes. People tend to settle here because they want to be close-in and love to take advantage of the variety of outdoor activities.

Location: Barton Hills includes the areabounded by Rabb Road and South Lamar to the east, Ben White to the south, the greenbelt to the west, and Barton Springs to the north.

History: Records show that the Spanish established three missions near Barton Springs in the 1730s, but the 535 acre area didn’t begin to see significant development until the 1950s. The neighborhood was featured in Austin’s 1956 Parade of Homes as “the world’s largest air conditioned subdivision.”

Homes: While the original neighborhood included some historic estates, like the Green Pastures Restaurant, the bulk of the remaining homes are 1920s and 1930s bungalows. These days many of those homes are being restored or replaced withnew construction.

About: Bouldin Creek is home to 2,700 residential households that enjoy quick access to downtown Austin and the activities along South Congress.This compact neighborhood includes tree-lined streets with round-abouts, and you’ll often find homeowners cycling or walking dogs through the neighborhood. Bouldin Creek is a great example of the “keep Austin weird” philosophy, as it’s not uncommon to see colorful houses accented with unique landscaping along with the periodic vegetable garden or rainwater collection tank.

Bouldin’s most famous landmarks include Auditorium Shores, the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and the Palmer Community Events Center. The 65 acre Texas School for the Deaf is also located in this neighborhood.

Location: This neighborhood is bordered by Lady Bird Lake on the north, the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks (South Lamar) on the west, Oltorf Street on the south, and South Congress Avenue on the east.

History: Bouldin Creek dates to the turn of the century when prices were cheap because of frequent flooding from the Colorado River. Most of the neighborhood’s growth occurred in the 1920s and 1930s.

Our favorite places:

The Long Center – for fabulous performances and amazing city views

Polvos– Mexican food and margaritas

Threadgill’s – when you’re craving cornbread and Southern home cooking

Uncommon Objects – for a trip down memory lane and cool finds

Public schools:

Becker Elementary School

Travis Heights Elementary School

Fulmore Middle School, including a humanities and law magnet school

Travis High School, including an Early College program

Homes: Mostly developed in the late 1930s, there’s an abundance of modestly-scaled and charming neo-colonial cottages in this older neighborhood, many with inviting front porches and hipped or gabled roofs -- although new construction is also interspersed throughout Bryker Woods. This is one of only three neighborhoods in Austin designated as an Old West Austin Historic District (OWAHD) because of its architectural significance and historic value. Bryker Woods is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior.

About: Bryker Woods is a beautiful older neighborhood composed of mostly single family homes surrounded by majestic trees. The front yards are open and most garages are placed in the back of the home giving the area a classic and community feel. It is convenient to retail, grocery shopping, recreational facilities, and the nearby Seton Medical Center. With great proximity to Mopac and Lamar Boulevard, it is simple to access the north and south parts of the city.

Residents of Bryker Woods have access to numerous outdoor activities. Bailey Park and its popular splash pad is within walking distance. The neighborhood is also conveniently located near Shoal Creek, which forms part of the eastern border of the neighborhood, and the hike and bike trail can be followed to Pease Park and beyond.

Location: Bryker Woods is located in the heart of Austin, only minutes from the University of Texas and downtown. It is bordered by Shoal Creek on the east side, Mopac on the west, 35th Street on the north, and the Westover Road on the south.

History: Bryker Woods can be traced back to as early as 1886, but the first subdivision with the actual name of Bryker Woods didn’t appear until 1936. It is believed that the name of the neighborhood was derived from combining the names of two of its developers, J.C. Bryant and McFall Kerbey.

Homes: Cherrywood today hosts an eclectic mix of pier and beam bungalows, ranch style houses with native limestone exteriors, and two-story stucco duplexes. The early to mid-century architecture is as diverse as Austin itself.

About: Cherrywood is a desirable area in East Austin comprised of several micro neighborhoods such as French Place, Delwood, and University Park. This mature neighborhood has beautiful trees lining the streets, and there is an abundance of coffee shops and eateries on the main thoroughfares skirting the neighborhood. It is ideally located near I-35 and Airport Boulevard, making it relatively simple to access other parts of Austin. Just minutes from the University of Texas, Cherrywood is especially attractive to professors and students. In 2016, Austin Monthly rated this the ninth hottest zip code in Austin.

Location: Just on the east side of Interstate 35 is the Cherrywood / French Place neighborhood. Its boundaries include Manor Road to the south, Airport Boulevard to the east, Wilshire Boulevard to the north, and I-35 on the west.

History: Cherrywood itself was once cotton fields, pastures, and woods. Post-war development in the 1940s and 1950s saw the development of houses and businesses on former ranch and agricultural land. It is named for the major north-south artery, Cherrywood Road, that runs through the middle of the neighborhood.

Our favorite places:

El Chile -- margaritas and dinner

Eastside Café -- locally sourced and delicious lunch or dinner

Hoovers – southern food done right

Star Seeds Café – for breakfast, any time

Public schools:

Maplewood Elementary

Kealing Middle School, including a magnet school

McCallum High School, including a Fine Arts magnet school

Homes: While Clarksville consisted of small cottages when it was first developed in the 1870s, today many of the area’s historic homes have been demolished, while others have been renovated and enlarged, leaving the neighborhood with a varied blend of cottages, apartments, condos and homes. In honor of its freedman roots, the Clarksville Community Development Corporation runs an affordable housing program that provides low-cost housing to 15 families.

About: Located immediately west of downtown, Clarksville is desirable due to its convenient location and its creative culture and unique history. This small neighborhood is noted for its hilly, tree-lined streets. Not only is there an abundance of restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops accessible by foot, but it’s easy to access Mopac or go into town on West 12th Street, making it manageable to reach all parts of the city.

Location: Clarksville proper is actually a small 10-block area that lies just west of downtown Austin. The area is bounded by Mopac on the west and West Lynn Street on the east. The northern boundary meanders from West 12th Street to Waterston, while the southern boundary is West 10th Street.

History: Upon emancipation freed slaves developed the community of Clarksville in the 1870s. Early Clarksville was a densely wooded area located far outside of town, but eventually Austin grew to reach Clarksville. Regrettably, a large part of the community was destroyed to make way for the construction of Mopac in 1971. Given its unique history, Clarksville is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Homes: Here you’ll find mostly two-bedroom, one-story bungalows with rectangular shapes that were bought by GIs returning from World War II. There are also many new construction homes being built here.

About: This pleasant area is known for its established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, charming small homes, and spacious lots. With a mellow vibe, the area is a draw for families, creative types, and professionals alike. In recent years this neighborhood has seen excellent appreciation. In fact, Austin Monthly rated this the fifth hottest zip code in Austin in 2016.

Technically Crestview and Brentwood are different neighborhoods. Justin Lane divides the two areas, but they are adjacent to each other and share many similar qualities. The nearby Wooten neighborhood offers similar homes at slightly lower prices.

This neighborhood is moments from everything Austin has to offer and an easy commute to downtown and the University of Texas. With the Crestview Light Rail Station on the east edge of the community, this is one of the few Central Austin neighborhoods with easy rail service into downtown.

Location: Brentwood is bordered by Burnet Road on the West, Lamar on the east side, 45th Street on the south end, and Justin Lane on the north. Just north of Brentwood is Crestview, a 1.2 square mile area bordered by Justin Lane on the south, Anderson Lane on the north, Lamar Boulevard on the east, and Burnet Road on the west. Nearby Wooten is a triangular area bound by Anderson Lane on the south, Burnet Road on the west, and Highway 183 on the north and east.

History: Originally these neighborhoods were cotton and dairy farms on the outskirts of town with a fence dividing them where Justin Lane is today.

Homes: As an alternative to traditional single-family homes,low, mid, and high rise buildings and towers are the predominant choice of living downtown.

About: Whether you want to be close to the night life, enjoy music, or are a foodie, there’s a little something for everyone downtown. The hike and bike trail of Lady Bird Lake is literally downtown’s backyard, and there are regular festivals and events to enjoy at Auditorium Shores. You can pick up your veggies at the weekly farmers’ markets or head over to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for big box grocery shopping. Don’t want to cook? Don’t worry. There are amazing restaurants to discover. It is easy to get to I-35 or Mopac from downtown, making this neighborhood a prime hub for accessing other parts of town.

Location: Downtown Austin is located between Lady Bird Lake on the south and Martin Luther King Boulevard on the north. It is bordered by IH-35 to the east and North Lamar Boulevard to the west.

History: Austin is the 11th largest city in the United States, and 12,000 people call downtown home. The city’s first 14 blocks were established in 1839. The north and south streets were named for Texas rivers (except Congress Avenue), and the east and west streets were originally named for Texas trees but are now the numbered streets.

Homes: Most homes in this area were built between 1945 to 1960 in the ranch style, with stylistic changes you expect over such a broad span of years. There are a few mid-century beauties in the area that are a real treat to see.

About: The areas of Highland Park West and Balcones contain about 1,750 residences, many with views of downtown, the hill country, and Lake Austin. Towering trees, rolling hills, and winding streets add to the beauty of the area. Folks tend to settle in this neighborhood because it is close to downtown yet offers privacy, luxury, and impressive views.

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy at nearby Perry Park, the Bright Leaf Nature Preserve, or the landmark Mount Bonnell. There are also sections of shopping and other services in the area.

Location: The Balcones and Highland Park West geographic areas are bordered on the south by 35th Street, on the west by Mount Bonnell Road, and on the east by MoPac and by Bull Creek Road between Hancock Road and 45th Street. Highland Hills extends just north of 2222 and west of Balcones. These neighborhoods also border Camp Mabry.

History: Highland Park West was developed by Edgar Perry, and Balcones was developed by David Barrow. Many of the houses were designed by leading modernist architects of the time.

Homes: The first houses built in the neighborhood were grand examples of late 19th-century architecture, including the Queen Anne style. These majestic homes later gave way to smaller frame houses and bungalows. The area is part of the Hyde Park Local Historic District and homes must conform to certain design standards. Even so, you’ll also find a mix of condos and multi-family units in the area.

About: This beautiful front porch neighborhood is surrounded by mature trees and exudes a small-town charm with inviting walkability. With its proximity to the University of Texas you will find a lot of academics and students living here alongside families. The airport used to fly over the area which kept home values down for many years, but recently it has seen more rapid appreciation. Indeed, in 2016, Austin Monthly rated this the tenth hottest zip code in Austin.

The center of the neighborhood includes a small grocery store, bakery, and restaurants. Other activities and development can be found along the west and east edges of the neighborhood. Shipe Park is a major attraction with its pool, playscape, and tennis courts.

Location: Thishistoric neighborhood is located just north of the University of Texas within the boundaries of 38th Street on the south, 51st Street on the north, Guadalupe on the west, Duval, and (north of 45th Street) Red River.

History: At over 100 years old, Hyde Park was Austin’s first true suburb. Originally marketed to the city’s elite in 1891 by Monroe Martin Shipe, the area had large lots with grand houses and even a streetcar connecting it to downtown Austin. When that met with only marginal success, the developer later marketed to the middle class focusing on smaller bungalows. Most of the construction occurred between 1924 and 1935.

Homes: As a new mixed-use community, the Mueller neighborhood includes a variety of home styles, such as row houses, garden homes arranged around a central courtyard, condominiums, along with traditional detached single-family homes.

About: The Mueller neighborhood is an award-winning community built in conformity with new urbanist principles. The master plan includes 700 acres, 140 of which are dedicated to parks and open space. There are several community pools scattered throughout the neighborhood, and the public spaces include 5 miles of walking/cycling trails. Mueller’s nearby shopping center includes big-box stores like Home Depot as well as small shops and a variety of dining choices. The Dell Children’s Medical Center is also part of the development.

Location: Fronted by Airport Boulevard and just east of I-35, the Mueller neighborhood is only 2 miles from the University of Texas and 3 miles from downtown Austin.

History: Development in Mueller began in 2007 on the land formerly occupied by the old Robert Mueller airport.

Our favorite places:

Bribery Bakery – for cinnamon rolls

The playscape and Lake Park – to let the kids burn off some energy

The Thinkery -- when it’s too hot to be outside & the kids need something to do

Homes:Most homes in Northwest Hills were built in the late 1960s through the late 1970s in the ranch style. Like many parts of Central Austin, newly constructed homes abound as well. A large area near Mopac includes apartments, condominiums, and townhomes. Because many of the homes are in original condition, they often need updating.

About: In 2016, Austin Monthly rated this the second hottest zip code in Austin. Wide streets, lovely green hills, graceful trees, and panoramic views in a hill country setting make Northwest Hills a beautiful place to live. The area referred to as Northwest Hills actually includes many subdivisions and micro neighborhoods such as Highland Hills, Shinoak Valley, Cat Mountain, Cat Mountain Villas, Meadow Mountain, North Cat Mountain, Lakewood Village, Lakewood Park, Parkhill, and Vista West.

There are greenbelt trails to explore, flat areas for easy walking, and the hills are a fun challenge to conquer. Nearby Bull Creek offers open space, hiking, and the creek for exploring with miles of trails dotted with swimming holes. There are also a variety of activities and dining choices along the main thoroughfares like Far West Boulevard, Anderson Lane, and Mesa. The Dell Jewish Community Center is also located in the neighborhood.

Nearby Mopac provides easy access for traveling north or south. Depending on traffic, it is only 15 minutes to downtown and 10 minutes to the Domain or the Arboretum. Just keep your eye out for deer. Wildlife is plentiful here.

Location: Northwest Hills generally includes those homes bounded by Spicewood Springs Road to the north, RM 2222 on the south, Mopac on the east, and Loop 360 on the west.

History: Formerly the site of an old quarry, the vision for the neighborhood was developed by David Barrow Sr. and his brother Edward in the 1950s.

Our favorite places:

County Line on the lake – for barbeque, turtle feeding, and waterside dining

Homes: Stately mansions in the Georgian and Colonial style share space with charming cottages and bungalows built in the 1930s and 1940s.

About: Pemberton Heights isone of Austin’s most beautiful and desirable neighborhoods, earning numerous accolades over the years. It consists of 640 households known for their mansion-esque quality with open lawns dotted with towering heritage oak trees. Neighboring Old Enfield is equally charming and historic. These gracious tree-covered home sites along Pease Park were meticulously planned to provide each home with a unique view of the Austin skyline and surrounding park.

The close proximity of Lamar Boulevard and Mopac make it simple to navigate to other parts of the city.

Location: Pemberton Heights is bordered on the south by the historic Old Enfield/Pease area and Bryker Woods on the North. Lamar Boulevard and the University of Texas lie to the east, and Mopac on the West. Old Enfield is enclosed by Lamar Boulevard to the east, Mopac to the west, Windsor Road to the north, and Enfield Road to the south.

History: Despite its esteemed status, Pemberton Heights was developed in 1927 to the early 1940s from land that was formerly used as a farm. Originally part of the Pease family's estate just west of Austin, the Old Enfield neighborhood was subdivided in 1910-1915. Old Enfield has been home to four Texas governors.

Homes: Most of the homes in Rosedale have the charm typically found in pier and beam 1930s and 1940s construction. Tudor cottages and bungalows with welcoming front porches are common. Many renovation projects and new construction keep the area vibrant.

About: Originally founded over 100 years ago, there are over 1200 homes in the Rosedale area occupied by single professionals, families, and even some of the original owners. There are a variety of businesses within walking distance, and much of the neighborhood activity centers around Ramsey Park with its swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and renovated playscapes. The strong sense of community coupled with the convenience of an urban location make Rosedale a desirable Central Austin neighborhood. In 2016, Austin Monthly rated this the hottest zip code in Austin.

With easy access to main roadways, Rosedale is convenient to the Capitol, downtown Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Location: The Rosedale neighborhood is situated north of West 38th street, west of Burnet Road, east of Shoal Creek, and south of Hancock Drive.

History: Originally used as farm and dairy land in the 1860s, it later became the home to florists and nurseries which planted flowers, trees, shrubs and other nursery stock, some of which remain in the neighborhood today. The area is named after the Rosedale Arbor Vitae which is supposed to be a cross between a Golden Arbor Vitae and a Japanese Cedar.

Homes: Homes in Tarrytown have diverse architecture, ranging from small cottages, remodeled and/or expanded homes, to upscale estates. Homes here are often priced higher than other areas due to their quality and location.

About: Many think Tarrytown is the perfect neighborhood and those who live here seem to love it. With gentle hills, beautiful trees, and easy lake access, this is some of the most valuable real estate Austin has to offer. Tarrytown is in close proximity to downtown, the lake, and the University of Texas.

It’s easy to have recreational fun in Tarrytown, with access to Lions Golf Course, boating along Lake Austin, three parks to enjoy, Red Bud Isle Dog Park, and swimming at the spring-fed Deep Eddy Pool. On the north end of Tarrytown you can roam with the peacocks at Mayfield Park or enjoy the grounds of Laguna Gloria.

Location: Tarrytown is contained between the Colorado River on the west and Mopac on the east. It is situated just north of Lake Austin Boulevard and south of 35th Street.

History: Tarrytown was established as an official subdivision in 1915.

Homes: You can find everything from modern apartments to grand historic homes, to modern new construction, though the norm is colorful two-bedroom, one-bathroom mid-century bungalows.

About: Travis Heights is a funky and unconventional neighborhood known for the bohemian lifestyle of its eclectic residents. It is full of bright homes, decorated yards, winding streets, and dramatic hills. Homeowners here have easy access to the South Congress entertainment district and all of the vintage shops, restaurants, eateries, and boutiques that call “SoCo” home.

Stacy Park and the Blunn Creek Greenbelt run through the area. The parks have a wading pool, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, volleyball court, basketball court, playing field, picnic tables and barbeque pits.

Location: This established neighborhood is directly across the Lake Austin from downtown Austin. Travis Heights’ western border is South Congress Avenue, and I-35 is the eastern border. Lady Bird Lake (or Riverside Drive) forms the north border, and the neighborhood is bound by Oltorf on the south.

History: It was first established in the 1890s, though development didn’t really begin until the 1920s.

Homes: Homes in this area include 1970s and 1980s ranches as well as new construction and grand estates.

About: Rolling hills and mature trees are a hallmark of the Westlake area. It is the remotest of the Central Austin neighborhoods, but also close to shopping and dining options along Bee Cave Road (aka FM 2244) as well as the nearby Barton Creek Mall. And even as the furthest out, it is still a short drive to downtown Austin.

There are many smaller subdivisions commonly referred to under the umbrella of Westlake Hills, including Rollingwood, Davenport Ranch,Treemont, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Westwood, Woodhaven, and more. People settle here for the schools, privacy, and proximity to downtown.

Location: Westlake Hills is southwestof downtown Austin and east of Highway 360.

History: This area began to be developed in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The village of West Lake Hills itself was founded in 1953.

Homes: Zilker is known for its small 1920s and 1930s bungalows on smaller lots, along with large new construction homes.

About: Here the streets wind through the stately trees and provide a respite from the Texas heat. Just south of the river, Zilker has prime access to Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs. There are many activities to choose from in this area, including quietude at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, old school putt putt at Peter Pan Mini Golf, or listening to Bob Schneider at the Saxon Pub.

Barton Springs Road is home to many notable restaurants such as Shady Grove, the Green Mesquite, and the original Chuy’s. It is also within walking distance to the Alamo Drafthouse south and other popular eateries on South Lamar like Uchi, Odd Duck, and Vox Table.

Location: The Zilker neighborhood is bounded by Rabb Road on the west, Lamar Boulevard on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and La Casa on the south side.

History: Most of the first homes in the Zilker area were constructed in the late 1920s. A.D. Stenger developed several original tracts within Zilker and Barton Hills.

The information included in this listing is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The information on each listing is furnished by the owner and deemed reliable to the best of his/her knowledge, but should be verified by the purchaser. ABoR, ACTRIS and Estately assume no responsibility for typographical errors, misprints or misinformation. This property listing is offered without respect to any protected classes in accordance with the law.

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